The Guinean midfielder was the spark his side needed as his introduction in an entirely new second half XI proved to be the catalyst for success.

James Milner had seen his first half penalty saved by Rovers goalkeeper David Raya after the Spaniard had felled Dominic Solanke, while Adam Lallana hit the bar and saw an effort cleared off the line.

Keita's introduction made the difference though, and after forgotten man Lazar Markovic opened the scoring, a fine interception from the former RB Leipzig man led to the third time he found Daniel Sturridge, and this time the forward buried it.

Keita celebrates with Sturridge and Rafa Camacho (Image: PA)

Here are the game's talking points.

1. Time for Loris Karius to try and keep whatever faith he's got left

Karius's tattoo shows before kick off (Image: REUTERS)

And so the Loris Karius 'Uncomfortable' summer tour of the north-west of England is over, with Blackburn's supporters being the latest to be able to heap the mickey-taking on a man who has really had enough of this now.

If he is to be Alisson's No.2 - and all signs suggest he will be - then this is where his recuperation must really start.

2. Dominic Solanke gets on the move

Solanke wins the penalty (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Dominic Solanke is a man who really needs this pre-season to go well for him if he is to hang on to his spot in the Liverpool squad and not be farmed out on loan.

He showed an impressive - and previously largely unseen - ability so switch positions from wide in the front three to into the centre during the first period, winning a penalty and being unlucky not to score.

The American tour could be huge for him.

3. Origi fails his last test

It was another poor night for the Belgian (Image: REUTERS)

Divock Origi has now played in all of these Liverpool UK-based friendlies, and he hasn't really impressed in any of them.

It would be surprising if he were to be heavily involved in America, and you'd think his last chance at a Liverpool future may be gone.

4. Naby Keita is very, very good

Reds fans are going to love him (Image: PA)

Yeah yeah, pre-season and all that, but you really got a sense of what Naby Keita is all about in his second half cameo at Ewood Park.

The Guinean has struck up a fine partnership with Daniel Sturridge, and set him up for two fine chances before the brilliant interception which led to Sturridge's goal.

It was the type of thing Liverpool fans have been watching for a year on YouTube.